Urge Senators to Press for Action on Supportive Housing Legislation

During the week of November 29, 2010, a bipartisan coalition of Senators is expected to press for passage of legislation to promote expanded opportunities for access to permanent supportive housing. The bill, known as the Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act (S 1481), is designed to enact long overdue reforms to the HUD Section 811 program, including:

Streamlining the current application process for non-profit housing sponsors;

Authorizing a new flexible option for multi-family supportive housing projects;

Creating a new demonstration program designed to leverage additional funds from other affordable rental housing programs in order to promote more integrated supportive housing options; and

Terminating the ineffective 811 tenant-based rental assistance program that has failed to target resources to people living with mental illness with intensive supportive service needs.

Take Action

It is critical for all Senators to hear from advocates about the importance of moving S 1481 forward during this current “lame duck” congressional session – before the end of the year. Advocates are strongly encouraged to urge their Senators to support immediate passage of S 1481. All Senators can be reached by calling 202-224-3121. Alternatively, you may e-mail your Senators to urge support of S 1481.